Duo are out of action
LEE Buchanan and Sam Baldock are out of Derby County’s Championship clash against leaders Fulham tonight (7.45pm).
Both players were injured in Sunday’s 3-2 home victory over Bournemouth.
The Rams are waiting on final results of scans but manager Wayne Rooney said Buchanan’s knee injury could keep the leftback out for six to eight weeks.
Baldock has a hamstring problem that has niggled the striker for some time.
“With Sam, it is something that has been ongoing and so we need to get to the bottom of why that is,” said Rooney.
“Lee, we are pretty sure it is going to be more six to eight weeks, unfortunately.
“It might be more or less, we are waiting on the final results but all the symptoms are pointing towards that.
“It is a shame for Lee but, again, when somebody gets injured it is an opportunity for somebody else.”
Craig Forsyth will come in for Buchanan against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
“Fozzy will come back in, he will play (at Fulham) and it is an opportunity for him to stamp his place in the team,” said Rooney.
“I think it has been a good battle between Lee and Fozzy. I think Fozzy was excellent and then he was off with an illness.
“He came back from that but didn’t quite get up to speed as quick as we would like, which is understandable. Lee then came in and has done well.”
Striker Jack Stretton remains sidelined with a knee problem.
“Stretts has hurt his knee a little bit. He has had an injection to settle that down. After another 48 hours he should be back on the grass,” Rooney added.